Many hardworking North Carolina families don’t earn enough to afford an average-priced home in their community.  Real estate professionals with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty recently earned the North Carolina Workforce Housing Specialist certification and learned about programs that can help teachers, firefighters, nurses, and other service workers in our community achieve the dream of home ownership. 

Brett Adams, Cathi Anderson, Carolyn Dunwell, Paul Dunwell, Tom Gale, and Amy Whetsel from Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s Wilmington office earned the certification.  Homes4NC, a housing foundation created by the North Carolina Association of REALTORS®, offers the certification to REALTORS® who take extra steps to learn about the federal, state and local housing programs specifically designed to help buyers that earn less than the area median income.  They also work within the community to increase housing affordability for all citizens.   

“My wife is a teacher, so I hear from her colleagues all the time about how hard it is to find affordable housing,” said Tom Gale.  “With the training we received, I know about more lending programs that can help them.”

According to Homes4NC, wages in North Carolina are not expected to keep pace with the cost of housing.  Half of the state’s future jobs are expected to pay 60% of the state’s current average earnings.

To earn the certification, REALTORS® must complete sixteen hours of educational courses that focus on national, state, and local affordable housing resources. For more information about the North Carolina Workforce Housing Specialist certification, visit www.Homes4NC.org.

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Barbara Birkenheuer and Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty President Tim Milam

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is pleased to announce that it will begin work this fall on a Habitat for Humanity home.  Sea Coast Realty president Tim Milam pledged his company’s sponsorship at Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity’s 9th Annual Golden Hammer Pledge Breakfast held May 25, 2010.

The breakfast marked Executive Director Barbara Birkenheuer’s retirement from Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity after ten years of service.  In honor of her leadership, Milam announced that the Habitat home Sea Coast Realty builds will be dedicated as the “Barbara Birkenheuer House.” 

By sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity home, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty will provide $60,000 in financial support and volunteer labor each week of the home build.  Sea Coast Realty has sponsored three other Habitat homes since it began its involvement with Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity in 1997.  Sales associates and staff from Sea Coast Realty’s Leland office also helped with construction of a Habitat home in Navassa in January 2010.  Next month, Russ May, a sales associate from Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s Wilmington, N.C. office, will become president of the Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors.

“While sponsoring three homes in the Wilmington area, we have learned how valuable homeownership is to those who thought they would never own a home,” said Milam.  “I cannot think of a more worthy housing organization.”

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity is one of 76 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in North Carolina and is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.  For more information about Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, please visit capefearhabitat.org

John O’Connor says he joined Sea Coast Realty’s Southport, NC office because of the training, technology, and strong Coldwell Banker brand. However, he says that it’s the people and the positive environment there that have really been key to his success. “It really does come back to having an environment where everybody is supporting you to get to the goals that you’re trying to achieve,” says O’Connor.

For more information, please visit www.seacoastrealty.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/seacoastrealty.

The coastal NC issue of Our State hits newsstands today.

May’s issue of Our State Magazine hits newsstands today.The issue dedicated to “Seafood, surfing, and memories of our Carolina Coast” features a fond farewell to Sunset Beach’s floating bridge titled, “The Little Bridge that Could,” by Ryan McGee.

This summer, the little floating bridge is set to be replaced by a new 65-foot tall concrete bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway.

Do you have fond memories of Sunset Beach or it’s floating bridge?

North Carolina shoppers only have four days to take advantage of a “Cash for Appliances” program offering 15% off new Energy Star appliances. Some local retailers are staying open longer and offering extra discounts to cash in on the anticipated rush.

North Carolina chose Earth Day to kick off the NC Energy Efficient Appliance Replacement and Rebate Program. The program offers North Carolina residents a 15% instant savings when they purchase new Energy Star clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators & freezers to replace old appliances. That means that an appliance that normally costs $500 will only cost $425. Shoppers will have to hurry to take advantage of the savings though. The program only runs from Thursday, April 22 through Sunday, April 25, 2010.

The so-called “Cash for Appliances” program is similar to its predecessor, “Cash for Clunkers.” The $8.8 million North Carolina program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Each state decided how to distribute their allotted funds. This program is designed to stimulate the economy with sales of new appliances and create energy savings by getting Americans to trade older appliances for newer, more energy efficient models.

“Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there’s enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month,” said Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu in a press release. “These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

North Carolina’s program is similar to a program Florida launched last week. Florida planned for its program to last 10 days, but after the second day, the $17.5 million it allotted for the program had been exhausted. Florida’s program offered 20% off the purchase of new energy efficient appliances. That means that Floridians spent $87.5 million on appliances in just two days. That means North Carolina shoppers may want to get out and take advantage of the offer sooner, rather than later.

Local appliance retailers are anticipating many more shoppers than usual, thanks to the program.  Some are planning extended hours to accommodate the rush and others are even offering additional savings.

“I think a lot of people have been aware of the program and they’ve been looking ahead,” Mindy Hughes of Crossroads Appliance Center in Supply told the Wilmington Star-News. Her store launched an advertising campaign about the rebate last month. “We’ve got a couple of remodels that have been sparked off by this program, which is great for us. Once they get one new item, they look at remodeling the whole kitchen.” Hughes is planning on opening her store an hour early and staying open as late as necessary to serve her customers.

Atlantic Appliance is normally open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Instead, it will stay open until 8 p.m. these days. It will still be closed on Sunday.

Just across from Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty’s main office, retailer hhgregg in Mayfaire Town Center will be open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday thru Saturday. It’s also offering 30% off Energy Star appliances those days. The store is also open Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., but some anticipate the funds for the “Cash for Appliances” program may be exhausted by then.

Lowe’s and Home Depot are offering an additional 10% off Energy Star appliances more than $398. Both retailers are open Thursday thru Saturday 6 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m, though Home Depot will open at 5 a.m. Thursday.

Thru Saturday, Sears is offering 30% off Energy Star appliances, in addition to the 15% “Cash for Appliances” savings. Its store hours vary by location.

To qualify for the North Carolina “Cash for Appliances” program, Energy Star clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators & freezers must be replacing an older appliance that will be recycled. Sales tax will be applied to the price of the appliance prior to the 15% instant rebate. Buyers must be North Carolina residents and purchase the new appliances from a participating North Carolina retailer. For more information on NC Energy Efficient Appliance Replacement and Rebate Program, please visit ncappliancerebate.com.

Participating retailers in our area are:

Onslow County
Best Buy, 1116 Western Blvd., Jacksonville
Boomtown Furniture, 625 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville
Freedom Furniture and Electronics, 2153 Lejeune Blvd., Jacksonville
Furniture Fair, 507 Bell Fork Road, Jacksonville?Furniture Fair, 2015 Lejeune Blvd., Jacksonville
Home Depot, 479 Western Blvd. Hwy 17, Jacksonville
Lowe’s, 1255 Western Blvd., Jacksonville
Lowe’s, 425 Yopp Road, Jacksonville
Major Appliance & Furniture Co., 2129 Lejeune Blvd., Jacksonville
Marine Corps Community Services, Birch and Holcomb Streets, Camp Lejeune
Sears, 344 Jacksonville Mall, Jacksonville

Pender County
Lowe’s, 106 Wilkes Lane, Hampstead
Sears, 15530 US Highway 17, Hampstead

New Hanover County
Atlantic Appliance & Hardware, 914 S. Kerr Avenue, Wilmington
Badcock Home Furniture & More, 2642 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington
Best Buy, 309 S. College Road, Wilmington
Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Gallery, 1925 Dawson St., Wilmington
hhgregg, 830 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington
Home Depot, 5511 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington
Home Depot, 210 Eastwood Road, Wilmington
Island Appliance, 5946 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington
Kitchen Dreams, 700 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington
Lowe’s, 5110 S. College Road, Wilmington
Lowe’s, 354 S. College Road, Wilmington
Sears, 3500 Oleander Drive, Wilmington

Brunswick County
Badcock Home Furniture & More, 4511 N. Main Street, Shallotte
Crossroads Appliance Center, 50 Green Swamp Road N.W., Supply
Home Depot 150-1 Shallotte Crossing, Shallotte
Lowe’s, 351 Whiteville Road, Shallotte
Lowe’s, 5084 Southport Supply Road S.E., Southport
Sears, 5302 Main Street, Shallotte
Shallotte Electric Stores, 4900 Main Street, Shallotte

Duplin County
Brandsource, 111 E. Southerland Street, Wallace
Brewer Co. True Value Hardware, 348 N.E. Center Street, Faison
Harrell’s Department Store, 107 S. Wright Street, Burgaw
Lanier & Smith Ace Hardware, 4646 South NC Highway 50, Chinquapin
Page Audio-Video-Appliances, 312 N. Front Street, Warsaw
Rochelle Furniture Co., 111 W. Fremont Street, Burgaw
Sears, 1315 N. Norwood Street, Wallace

Readers of Wilmington’s Encore magazine have voted Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty as Wilmington’s Best Real Estate Company in their “Best of Wilmington 2010″!

Thanks go out to everyone that voted for for us.  Though this isn’t our first “Best of Wilmington” award, we’re still thrilled by this honor.  Our more than 300 agents and staff take great pride in the fact that every year for the last decade, we’ve sold more homes in southeastern North Carolina than any other real estate company.

Check out the nice things Encore had to say about us:

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY

The local and national housing markets may have taken a hit due to the recession as of late, but Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is soaring high above the rest with their win for Best Real Estate Agency. Serving the cities of Wilmington and Jacksonville; the coastal communities of Carolina Beach, Topsail Beach, Surf City, Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, North Topsail Beach, Kure Beach, Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach and Holden Beach; and coastal communities, including Porters Neck, Southport, Sneads Ferry, Leland, Scotts Hill, Hampstead, Holly Ridge, Camp Lejeune, New River, Bolivia, Shallotte, Boiling Spring Lakes and St. James, Sea Coast is without a doubt a leader in its industry. In fact, it is the number-one real estate company in southeastern North Carolina, selling more properties than any area firm for the past eight years.

With 300-plus agents and seven convenient locations (two in Wilmington, on Military Cutoff Road and at Porters Neck) Sea Coast is more than equipped to satisfy anything their customers desire. They can handle relocation needs, from start to finish, and even offer a 100-percent Satisfaction Guarantee. In an ever-changing real-estate climate, Sea Coast has remained true to its roots and continues to offer first-class service with a reputation clients have learned they can trust. Their easy-to-navigate Web site, www.seacoastrealty.com, only adds to what Wilmington recognizes as dependable, up-to-date and quality service.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, or Onslow County, North Carolina, shouldn’t you have the “Best of Wilmington” working for you?  Visit us online at www.seacoastrealty.com or call us at 1-800-522-9624.

Southport is one of the most beautiful and charming small towns in North Carolina.  During warm weather, visitors flock to Southport’s picturesque tree-lined streets to explore its many restaurants, shops, marina, yacht basin and historic attractions.

Hundreds of years ago, pirates and explorers visited the area.  Today, it’s convenient location, where the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and Cape Fear River meet, is still very popular with mariners.

Ginger Harper with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty has been a Southport resident for 27 years and shares some of her favorite things to do there.  Photos courtesy of Jim Harper.

For more information, please visit www.seacoastrealty.com or become our fan on Facebook.

St. James, North Carolina is a small town located just outside of Southport, North Carolina.  Incorporated in 1999, the majority of the Town of St. James is located within the gated community of St. James Plantation.  It features a full service marina, four premiere golf courses, tennis, beach activities, a private beach club, biking trails, walking paths and more.

St. James resident and Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty associate Ken Keegan shares his St. James expertise.

For more information, please visit www.seacoastrealty.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/seacoastrealty.

Thinking of relocating, but you just aren’t sure? Why not take a “test drive”?

Pat Maloney with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty suggests three great ways that you can get a feel for areas like the NC coast before you make a commitment.

Why not rent a beach cottage during the off-season to get a feel for the area? Pat says it’s a great option, especially if you’re already retired.

If you aren’t retired, but want to test the waters, Pat suggests buying a “little something”, a small home that you’ll use for weekend getaways and family vacations. Then when you do retire, you can decide if moving to the coast is what you have in mind.

For those that are more daring, but still not ready to buy, Pat suggests moving somewhere and renting a home for no longer than 6 months.

With all the natural beauty and friendly folks on the Cape Fear Coast, you’ll be surprised how quickly you feel at home.

For more information, please visit www.seacoastrealty.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/seacoastrealty.

Normally, the winter months are a pretty slow time in the real estate business.  While the weather has been cold outside this year, the real estate market has been getting hotter and hotter. 

In January 2009, homebuyers toured Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty listings 2,757 times!  That’s a whopping 72% increase from the previous month.  The number of showings is expected to grow even more over the next few months.

Our real estate professionals say that there are lots of homebuyers hunting for homes earlier than usual this year, so that they can take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit before the April 30, 2010 deadline.  First-time homebuyers are eligible for an $8,000 tax credit.  Homeowners that have been in their current home for the last 5 years are also eligible for a $6,500 tax credit.  In addition, real estate agents say that there are lots of investors and folks looking for second homes out looking for great properties at a bargain price.

If you are considering selling your home, it’s smart to contact a Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty agent today.  Our real estate professionals in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, and Onslow counties will expertly market your home, so that it will get the attention it deserves and sell for the most money.

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty has been southeastern North Carolina’s top home seller for the last 10 years!  Find out more at www.seacoastrealty.com.